Turkiye coach Vincenzo Montella provided some reassuring updates regarding the condition of Inter Milan playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu.
The 30-year-old sustained a blow during the Nerazzurri’s rampant 4-0 win over Atalanta last Friday at San Siro.
The Turkish star left his place on the pitch to his younger teammate Kristjan Asllani at the hour mark.
But despite suffering from pain in the hip, Calhanoglu still heeded the call and joined his national team camp.
The Crescent Stars are currently in Cardiff, preparing for tonight’s outing against Wales in the opening matchday of the UEFA Nations League.
Cahlanoglu spent his first three days in the national team camp training separately.
Nevertheless, the former AC Milan finally joined his teammates in group training on Thursday.
Therefore, Montella will be looking to rely on the services of his national team captain.
Turkiye Coach Vincenzo Montella Confirms Inter Milan Star Hakan Calhanoglu Is Available Vs Wales
However, the former Roma and Sampdoria will have to decide whether to unleash the Inter star from the get-go or leave him on the bench.
“Hakan had some problems, but on Thursday, he worked with the group. So he’s now available,” said Montella in his pre-match press conference via FcInterNews.
“I still have to decide, even if I already have the choice in my head, whether to use him in the first half or the second period.
“We need to make some more evaluations on the matter.”
Following their clash with Wales, Turkiye will return home to host Iceland at home on Monday in the second matchday of the competition.